Huffing is a term used to describe the process of inhaling chemical vapors through the mouth and/or nose. Chemicals are poured onto a rag or into a bag and then held over the nose/mouth to be inhaled. They can also be inhaled directly by sniffing vapors from their containers or by spraying directly into the mouth or nose.

Nitrites (also known as poppers and snappers) - This type of inhalant is primarily used as a sexual enhancer as it has slightly different effects than the above mentioned substances. Usually sold "liquid incense" or "room odorizer".

Most of these substances occur in the hundreds of everyday products we have lying around our houses. What makes them so dangerous is that they are so readily available and cheap. For this reason, teenagers are not aware of the dangers that exist.

Who participates in huffing?

Huffing is the 3rd most abused substance by teenagers and is an increasing problem in today's society. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH/NHSDA), "inhalants had the youngest average age at first use (16.0 years)" and "75% of recent initiates were under 18 when they first used".(1)

A similar study done by NSDUH in 2002-2004 showed the following statistics on who is more susceptible to start using inhalants.(3)

Males and females are equally likely to initiate inhalant use

Initiates more common in the 14 to 15 year old age group

Approximately 70% who initiated abuse were white as opposed to only 17.6% Latino and 7.3% African American

Teenagers who initiated inhalant abuse also came from higher income families

What are the effects?

Effects from abusing inhalants can be both short term and long term. These effects vary upon the substance abused and in what concentrations they are abused. The desired effect that teenagers are trying to achieve from using these substances is similar to alcohol intoxication. Of course this feeling comes at a high price. Using inhalants can be very deadly, even the first time they are used.

Short term effects include:

Dizziness

Nausea/vomiting

Delusions

Hallucinations

Loss of inhibitions

Impaired judgment - leads to accidents such as car accidents and falls

Long term effects of huffing are quite damaging to the major organs, including the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys and liver. Huffing can also lead to:

Cardiac arrest

Suffocation - due to decreased levels of oxygen

Choking - can choke on vomit

Brain damage - includes memory loss and effects on concentration caused by lack of oxygen to the brain

Muscle damage

Bone marrow damage - reduces formation of blood cells

Cancer - some toxins are carcinogens

Other forms of drug abuse

What are the warning signs of a teen huffing?

If you suspect that your teenager might be involved in this form of drug abuse, here are some signs you may want to look out for. Some of these signs are apparent directly after using an inhalant; others show up down the road.

Drunken appearance

Weight loss - lack of appetite

Glassy eyes

Odor - chemical smells on clothing/breath

Pale skin

Slurred speech

Rashes/sores around mouth/nose

Restlessness/nervousness/mood swings

Missing/empty chemical containers left around or in garbage

What treatment is available for huffers?

Early education is key in the prevention of this type of abuse. Making our teenagers aware about the dangers associated with inhalants can increase the chances of them not abusing in the first place.

Treatment programs for this specific type of drug abuse are hard to come by as treatment is quite complex. Consult your medical or mental health professional if you suspect a problem exists. Long-term care is necessary as withdrawal symptoms can last for weeks and relapse is quite common.